Ten styling tips when you can’t buy a whole new wardrobe

Ten styling tips when you can’t buy a whole new wardrobe

Posted
on November 13, 2018

If you step up to the
mirror in the morning and feel a little overwhelmed, you’re not alone. “I have
nothing to wear” can be heard all across the house, as you bust through your
wardrobe in search of the perfect outfit. To solve the conundrum, here’s a few nifty tips
the pros use to demystify their dressing challenges:

1) Balance proportions

Show of those toned
areas you’re proud of and hide
less-loved bits as well. The pro’s tactic? Add opposite volume – wide-leg pants
and a fitted top offset a heavier top half. Alternatively, distract attention
with black pants on wider hips and a bold ‘Up Here!’ scarf.

2) Stay trendy, but age-appropriate

Odds are, there’s a
grown-up version. For those of us not able to rock a midriff in a crop top,
pair a waist-sitting top with a high-waisted skirt, or wear a longer top under
it.

3) Slim down with the right bra

Where the girls sit
makes a big difference. The perfect height? Midway between your elbows and
shoulders. When your bra fits properly – no bulges or sag – every angle looks
trim. The perfect fit? When your bra’s front centre panel is flat, cups are not
wrinkled or gaping and nothing is hiking or spilling. To double-check, squeeze
two fingers under the band – if it still feels snug, it’s spot on.

4) Matchy-matchy is not always good

Choose colours that
complement each other rather than match. Looking at a colour wheel for
inspiration – opposite colours are complementary. Add variation through
textures in your accessories.

5) Be selective

Don’t give away too much
at one time. A low-cut dress shows off your cleavage, so no need for bare arms
or legs. A figure-hugging dress with a sensible neckline and hem is the the
rule of thumb.

6) Buy samples

No need to break the
bank for basics; there are plenty of good quality pieces at low prices
available on discount racks. If you can splurge, however, buy items that can’t
be copied and buy for durability, invest in better fabrics and calculate price
per wear.

7) Develop a signature

Find your foolproof
theme and use variations. No idea where to start? Think outfits that you feel
most comfortable in, then find different takes. If you get stuck in the
dressing room, take a photo – cameras are more honest than mirrors.

8) Ahhh, the classic white shirt

Invest in one! White,
not ivory. If you are worried about your teeth contrasting yellow, wear a bold,
blue undertone lipstick. What’s the best cut? Button up, with waist darts or
princess seams. The best fit is when shoulder seams line up with your shoulders
and there’s not pulling.

9) Mix it up

Doubling up prints and
patterns can look confident and chic, if done properly. Stick with the same
background colour shade and choose opposite patterns, as near matches or two
dominant won’t work. Top it all off with neutral accessories.

10) Accentuate with Jewellery

Accentuate your best
features. Long earrings can thin your face, while short, chunky earrings can
widen. If you have a large bust, wear necklaces at least a two finger spaces
above your cleavage, long pendants can sit awkwardly. And the final foolproof
tip: choose light-coloured earrings to look radiant.